Structural Glass Canopies

MODERN GLASS TECHNOLOGY

Overview

Glass Options

Associated products

Specification

Residential projects

Commercial projects

Downloads

Frameless Glass Canopy

Frameless glass canopies create a modern addition to the external face of properties. Utilising glass in building design, especially glass canopies, adds a contemporary twist to the façade while enhancing the surrounding architectural design.

They can be used for a variety of external additions including balconies and to create a contemporary front porch. Glass canopies can also be designed to offer a shelter over seating areas next to buildings, such as a bench placed against the external face of the building.

The minimalistic design of the structural glass canopy creates an elegant design, its invisibility allows for the surrounding building aesthetic to make a statement. For an incredibly clear design, IQ recommend using low iron glass which removes the green tinge often seen in standard float glass to ensure a beautifully clear finish.

Structural glass canopies can be created by extending glass from an existing glass roof, glass link, glass box extension or as a new structural glass element cantilevered to the brickwork and structure of the property.

Glass Canopy Design

Glass Canopies create a contemporary finish to properties while providing a beautifully designed shelter that is practical but doesn’t block out daylight or obstruct the surrounding architecture. These structural glass canopies can be used for shelter in various locations around properties including; glass porches, sheltered walk ways and sheltered outdoor dining areas.

The addition of a structural glass canopy can both enhance the architectural design of the property and create a unique design feature itself. There are several glass options that can be used for a glass canopy such as sand-blasted glass and decorative interlayers. Sand-blasted glass is great to add privacy for overlooked entrances as the sand-blasted glass allows light to flow through but not vision.

Similarly, a decorative interlayer can provide a small amount of privacy, however, you will still be able to see through the glass to a certain extent and light can still shine through.

Many properties are being renovated with the installation of a glass box extension or a glass link between new and existing areas of the property. Glass Canopies can be added to these designs to extend the glass out into the outdoor living spaces. It is often possible for the structural roof supports of the new glazing to be extended out along with the structural glass used for the roof to create a Glass Canopy.

To Warwick Gardens a second-floor extension, constructed from a glass box, the glass roof and structural glass beams were extended out just over one-metre to create a frameless glass canopy over the second-floor balcony.

Expansive Sizes

Glass canopies can be manufactured to impressive sizes; however, a structural support will be required for large canopies as the weight will be too heavy to be installed as a cantilevered system.

There are various structural supports suitable for glass canopies such as a steel framework, stainless steel rails and free-standing supports. Metal supports can be installed as top hung supports or supports that are placed below the glass itself.

Glass Canopies can be used for a simple shelter for a doorway or as an expansive shelter for a walkway or large outdoor seating area. They allow for outdoor spaces to be used throughout the year which act as extended living spaces. The structural glass doesn’t block out the light but provides a shelter from rain and wind which allows home owners to continue enjoying their garden no matter the weather.

Bespoke Design

Glass Canopies can be designed in a variety of sizes, styles, configurations and gradient. The canopies will need be to be installed with a slight slope to them to allow water to drain off the glass, the lowest gradient is 5% to provide enough of a slope for the water to flow off.

Curved glass can also be an option for glass canopies to create a unique ‘wave’ effect to the glass canopy – which can provide a decorative finish to the practical overhead shelter. There are so many possibilities when it comes to Glass Canopies as structural glass is a very versatile building material that has an abundance of design qualities and optional glass specifications.